I'm very fresh to Ubuntu and I just downloaded Ubuntu 12.10 on my Lenovo x100e computer. I'm having issues with my wireless adapter. It says the adapter was turned off by a hardware switch. The issue is that my laptop has no hardware switch for wireless!

The way I used to enable/disable wireless was through Fn and F5 keys. when I tried to turn it on from the network setting, it didn't allow me. It keeps turning off straight away. If anyone has any advice or help to give I'd be very grateful.

I have the same problem on my Dell Vostro 3500.
I verified the BIOS setup, wireless is enabled. Fn+F5 didn't help.
I create a Ubuntu Startup Disk from my Sony Vaio; for which wireless works fine.
When I boot the Vostro 3500 from that USB the Vostro's wireless work fine. I re-intalled Ubuntu on the Vostro using wireless connection.

When I reboot the Vostro on its own, the wireless option isn't available in drop down list from a the right click of network icon.

Below 'Enable Networking' was 'Enable Wireless'. Days ago I disabled 'Enable Wireless' from the drop down list and that option stopped being listed.

The 'Network' option under 'System' only shows 'Wired', and 'Network proxy'. 'Wireless' cannot be add either.